Rep. James O. Gordon, D-Saraland, said his constitutional amendment would "give the citizens a voice" on whether Prichard can host slots-like bingo machines.

A committee is scheduled to consider the amendment this morning.

Prichard voters could approve or reject bingo if the Legislature approves putting the question on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Speaker of the House Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, who supports legalizing such machines in Alabama, said the odds for Gordon's amendment are long.

"I don't believe anybody thinks they can pass a local (bingo) bill this session," Hammett said.

Gordon was more optimistic. "The way the budgets are currently -- budget shortfalls -- people will see that the time is right," he said.

Gordon said he modeled his proposal on legislation that cleared the way for major Alabama casinos, such as VictoryLand near Montgomery.

But VictoryLand and other big bingo venues have closed in recent days, under the threat of raids by John Tyson Jr., the Mobile County district attorney who commands Gov. Bob Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling.

Tyson has vowed to shut casinos in Alabama that run games that look and play much like illegal slots but dole out money based on fast, computerized games of bingo.

Riley and Tyson say that the machines violate state law; Attorney General Troy King and various others in government have argued that the devices are legal in some jurisdictions.

Tyson said he appreciates that Prichard leaders are respecting the rule of law by going to the Legislature to get the games approved. But "I do not think that gambling establishments are going to be the answer," Tyson said.

Gordon said that gambling parlors, along with a proposed $640 million motorsports complex, could remake the bankrupt city. "Those two entertainment venues could make Prichard a Fairhope," Gordon said.

The revenue could supply Prichard with better roads, more parks, a new complex for city government and many other needed improvements, Gordon said. Tyson cautioned to be wary of economic solutions that sound "too good to be true."

"The only real answer that I know to the economic stress that we're in is the creativity and hard work of the people in this state and the people in this country," Tyson said.